Not your typical beach scene! [7 imgs]

Yesterday I went to the Lancashire coast to see the ferry 'Riverdance' that got into difficulties in bad weather and beached just north of Blackpool. All 23 people on board were daringly rescued by coastguard helicopter in storm force conditions.

Whilst I was there the coastguard heli made another appearance, this time lowering the salvage team on board to check the ship for damage and see how the load has shifted below decks. For once I was perhaps in the right place at the right time!

There is a 400m exclusion zone around the stricken vessel and the police were keen spectators of the coastguard activity too:

Finally, some of the cargo is beginning to wash up along the shore. Fancy a biscuit?